Novel HIV-1 Glycoprotein Vaccines With Enhanced Presentation Of Broad Neutralization Epitopes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$743,682.00
Summary
A prophylactic vaccine represents the best strategy for blocking HIV-1 transmission but one is not yet available. Current antiviral vaccines rely on neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) that block infection, however, current HIV-1 vaccine formulations do not induce broadly reactive NAbs (bNAbs). We have discovered a novel HIV-1 glycoprotein vaccination candidate with enhanced presentation of bNAb epitopes. We propose to determine if this vaccine induces effective bNAbs in experimental animals.
HIV Phenotypes Important For The Establishment Of Persistent Reservoirs In The Central Nervous System And Which Impact Neurotropism And Neuropathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$762,492.00
Summary
This grant will determine whether or not the CNS is a reservoir for HIV and identify the cellular targets of persistent infection and type of HIV-1 present.
Characterising The Genotypic And Phenotypic Properties Of The HIV-1 Viral Reservoir
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,819.00
Summary
Current drug treatments can not eradicate HIV from the body. This is because HIV can infect and establish a latent or “silent” infection in long-lived cells of the immune system that can re-emerge out of these cells when drug treatment is stopped. This project aims to find out how these cells become infected and what type of HIV is infecting them. The results from this study will help us better understand the latent infection and will help researchers design ways to eradicate HIV.
Envelope Glycoprotein Determinants Of HIV-1 Subtype C Tropism And Pathogenicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$657,745.00
Summary
HIV-1 subtype C is the most common subtype of HIV-w worldwide, yet we know comparatively little about how it causes disease in humans. This study will elucidate how HIV-1 subtype C evolves in patients to become more pathogenic over time.
Studies On The Activation And Immunogenicity Of The HIV-1 Glycoproteins, Gp120-gp41
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$606,438.00
Summary
More than 34 million people were living with HIV-1 in 2011 with ~7,000 new infections still occurring daily. A prophylactic vaccine for HIV-1 is needed to stop its transmission, however, this goal is yet to be achieved. Our proposed studies will inform the design of prophylactic HIV-1 vaccines that act by making antibodies that neutralize the virus.
Elucidating Unique Molecular Mechanisms Involved In HIV-1 Subtype C Pathogenicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$710,989.00
Summary
Most people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have subtype C virus (C-HIV) and live in Southern Africa and Central Asia. These regions are where the HIV pandemic is at its worst. However, we know very little about C-HIV. We have evidence that C-HIV evolves differently compared to other HIV-1 subtypes, which impacts the way it leads to AIDS. This project aims to characterise these unique molecular mechanisms, which may lead to vaccines and drugs that are optimised for C-HIV.
Elucidating The Flexibility Of Coreceptor Engagement By HIV-1 Important For Macrophage Tropism And Escape From Entry Inhibitors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$635,506.00
Summary
CCR5 antagonists are a new type of anti-HIV-1 drug that stops the virus from entering cells. We have evidence to suggest that the ability of CCR5 antagonists to function properly is linked to the ability of HIV-1 to infect a type of immune cell called macrophages. In this proposal, we will investigate precisely how HIV-1 enters macrophage cells, and then determine how this may influence the outcome of patients who are receiving these drugs as part of their clinical care.
Topical microbicides are urgently required to protect women from the sexual transmission of HIV. Lactic acid is produced by bacteria that are normally present in the healthy female vaginal tract and is more potent in the inactivation of HIV compared to low pH alone. This study seeks to determine how lactic acid inactivates HIV and to undertake laboratory studies to determine its suitability for development as a topical microbicide to prevent HIV transmission.
The HIV-1 Tat Protein Is An Reverse Transcription Co-factor.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,592.00
Summary
HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. In order for HIV-1 to grow, the viral genetic material must be converted into a form that is compatible with a human host. Specifically, the HIV-1 genetic material is made of RNA while the human genome is composed of DNA. An HIV-1 enzyme called reverse transcriptase (RT) is used for this purpose. We have discovered that another HIV-1 protein called Tat is also required for the efficient conversion of HIV-1 RNA into HIV-1 DNA. If HIV-1 lacks Tat, then this tra ....HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. In order for HIV-1 to grow, the viral genetic material must be converted into a form that is compatible with a human host. Specifically, the HIV-1 genetic material is made of RNA while the human genome is composed of DNA. An HIV-1 enzyme called reverse transcriptase (RT) is used for this purpose. We have discovered that another HIV-1 protein called Tat is also required for the efficient conversion of HIV-1 RNA into HIV-1 DNA. If HIV-1 lacks Tat, then this transformation process is inefficient and HIV-1 is not able to grow. Recently our group made a breakthrough discovery on how Tat works. Tat can directly bind to RT and stimulate the conversion process. This research is aimed at a detailed analysis of Tat and RT interaction. This information is required in order to understand how this interaction can be blocked in order to stop HIV-1 growth. In the long-term, results produced by this research will be required to discover novel drugs to combat HIV-AIDS.Read moreRead less